Huey P. Long Bridge project moves into nighttime closure phase

Nightime closures on the Huey P. Long Bridge will begin next week and last for several months while crews widen the bridge's deck as part of the $1.2 billion project to add a third lane in both directions.

On Monday through Saturday, both westbound lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., and the eastbound lanes will be closed from 1:30 a.m. until 5 a.m. No work is scheduled for Sunday night through Monday morning.

The closures will allow crews to stockpile materials on the bridge to be used during daytime construction, said Shane Peck, a spokesman for the project.

"This is the next major phase of the project," he said. "The superstructure is almost complete. They are still doing some painting and inspections, but all of the major pieces are in place."

Emergency vehicles will be able to use the bridge during the closures, which are expected to continue each week for several months, Peck said. Alternate routes include the Crescent City Connection and Interstate 310.

The bridge widening -- one of the largest infrastructure projects in state history -- began in April 2006 and is expected to be completed in early 2013.

A third lane and shoulders will be added in both directions, more than doubling the overall width of the paved surface from 18 feet to 43 feet on each side.

For more information, visit the project's web site: www.hueypbridge.com.